WASHINGTON TOWNSHIP FIRE DEPARTMENT

Dear Citizens,

In keeping with our Mission, Vision, and Core Values, Washington Firefighters consistently demonstrated a personal commitment to protect the quality of life, and to protect property in Washington Township. Washington Firefighters responded to 2,270 incidents in 2015. As we enter 2016, we will continue to provide a high level of service to the community in the most efficient manner. The safety of our residents and firefighters continues to be our highest priority.

The department worked diligently in 2015, accomplishing a number of improvements and projects. At the fore front were the completion of the Insurance Services Office (ISO) Public Protection Classification (PPC) survey, and the ISO completed analysis of the structural fire suppression delivery system provided by the WTFD. The resulting classification/rating was lowered from a split classification of 5/9 to a split classification of 3/4 (lower is better). Thanks to Board of Trustee actions and wise tax dollar investment in water supply technology, fire apparatus, equipment, stations and personnel; our community is in an enviable position to market ourselves as one of the very best; placing WTFD in the top 3-5% in the Country.

Additionally, the WTFD increased full-time staffing, replaced two utility vehicles, and was awarded over $172,000 in private and FEMA/DHS Grant funding, and purchased and replaced 21 sets of structural firefighting gear/garments. In 2015 the WTFD leadership altered the existing business and staffing model from a combination/paid-on-call to a combination/part-time staff, as well as changed the training delivery days and times, increased training hours and online content; delivering and executing training to some of the highest levels statewide. Fire prevention in 2015 continued to be an incredible opportunity for our firefighters to interact and teach fire safety to our community. Finally, WTFD personnel continued to sustain and improve upon existing community risk reduction initiatives, while at the same time, expand and implement new initiatives in a proactive attempt to reduce the number of preventable injuries and deaths, within and around Washington Township.

In closing, I would like to thank each of you for the continued encouragement and trust that you have exhibited in our department over the past year, as well as, express my sincerest gratitude to the devoted members of the Washington Township Fire Department for their commitment, professionalism, and approach to public service.